BAN vs SL 1st Test LIVE: World Test Championship 2023 cricket returns with Bangladesh hosting Sri Lanka for a two-Test series beginning at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here on Sunday. With Sri Lanka desperate to make a bid to move up the standings, Bangladesh is eager to make the most of the opportunity to climb from the eighth position they find themselves in on the nine-team table. Follow BAN vs SL Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
This will be the first assignment for new Sri Lankan head coach Chris Silverwood after he stepped down as England’s chief coach in the wake of the Ashes debacle. He takes over from Mickey Arthur, who enjoyed a successful tenure with the Sri Lankan team. Silverwood is supported by assistant Naveed Nawaz, who himself put his name forward for the top role.
BAN vs SL 1st Test LIVE: Shakib cloud looms as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka eye valuable WTC points as series kicks off in Chattogram – Follow BAN vs SL Live updates
Lahiru Thirimanne has requested three months paternity leave, Pathum Nissanka is recovering from injury, while Charith Asalanka has been told to focus on limited-overs formats.
Final training session ahead of the 1st Test ✅
What’s your playing XI for the #BANvSL first Test? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/t1u1drlbwv
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) May 14, 2022
Who accompanies Dimuth Karunaratne at the top of the order remains a big question for the tourists given the absent players, with Oshada Fernando potentially the man to move up, according to ICC. The uncapped Kamindu Mendis, who made his name as an ambidextrous spinner, may wind up in the playing XI more for his batting, after a blazing domestic first class season.
BAN vs SL 1st Test LIVE: Shakib cloud looms as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka eye valuable WTC points as series kicks off in Chattogram – Follow BAN vs SL Live updates
On the Bangladesh side, a long-awaited Shakib Al Hasan’s return will take a little longer after the world No.4 all-rounder tested positive for Covid-19, with hopes that he will be available for the second match in Mirpur. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is also out, with pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed also injured after suffering a shoulder injury in South Africa.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Squad
Bangladesh: Mominul Haque Showrab (Captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (out of the first test, second test availability subject to recovery), Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness)
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Suminda Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya
BAN vs SL 1st Test LIVE: Shakib cloud looms as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka eye valuable WTC points as series kicks off in Chattogram – Follow BAN vs SL Live updates
